How to Know When Your Home Humidity Is Low

Jul 28, 2017

Whether you live in Lake Forest, Illinois, or elsewhere in the Chicagoland area, you want to keep your home clean and your family healthy. While you’ve probably experienced the discomfort that comes with excess moisture in the air, you might not realize that low humidity can also be harmful. From physical discomfort to signs of extreme dryness in your home, here’s how to know the humidity level is too low.

Static Shocks

One of the most obvious signs that moisture levels in your home are dangerously low comes in the form of static shock. You’re likely to experience this in the winter, when the air is naturally drier, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy for you or your home. If you notice painful static shocks in the summer, you could have a serious humidity problem on your hands.

Cracked Furniture

Hardwood floors and wooden furniture require a moderate level of humidity to stay intact and keep their shape. When humidity levels are low over a long period of time, wooden surfaces have a habit of drying out and developing cracks, a sure sign of a lack of moisture.

Constant Chills

Did you know that airborne moisture naturally makes you feel warmer? At Carefree Comfort, we’ve experienced firsthand the dramatic difference that a little humidity can make. While your HVAC system should moderate humidity levels automatically, some systems just can’t keep up with the weather. Call our team to take a closer look at your HVAC system if you’re constantly feeling chilly even though you’ve set the thermostat correctly.

Colds and Viruses

Over time, low humidity can have a serious impact on your health. Dry air can lead to cracked skin, which allows bacteria and viruses to enter more easily. If you find yourself fighting one cold after another, do yourself a favor and find out if low humidity is to blame.